Abstract
Simple SummaryArbovirus-transmitting mosquitoes pose an omnipresent threat. Therefore, insights into the underlying mechanisms of (i) mosquito behavior, (ii) species-specific behavioral traits, and (iii) behavioral changes of arbovirus-infected mosquitoes are of great interest in vector research and disease pathogenesis. Consequently, tools to enable immunohistochemical investigations of the nervous system of mosquitoes are required to further elucidate the peculiarities of neuroanatomy and neurotransmission across the spectrum of mosquito species. Accordingly, the present study aimed to provide an immunohistochemical characterization of the nervous tissue of the widespread vector Culex pipiens biotype molestus in direct comparison with the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Comparative immunohistochemical assessment of selected antisera presented immunomarkers for the entire nervous tissue, for the neuropilar meshwork of axons, dendrites and synapses, and for specialized neurons and/or glial cells.Arthropod-borne diseases represent one of the greatest infection-related threats as a result of climate change and globalization. Repeatedly, arbovirus-infected mosquitoes show behavioral changes whose underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown, but might help to develop control strategies. However, in contrast to well-characterized insects such as fruit flies, little is known about neuroanatomy and neurotransmission in mosquitoes. To overcome this limitation, the study focuses on the immunohistochemical characterization of the nervous system of Culex pipiens biotype molestus in comparison to Drosophila melanogaster using 13 antibodies labeling nervous tissue, neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter-related enzymes. Antibodies directed against γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, tyrosine-hydroxylase and glutamine synthetase were suitable for investigations in Culex pipiens and Drosophila melanogaster, albeit species-specific spatial differences were observed. Likewise, similar staining results were achieved for neuronal glycoproteins, axons, dendrites and synaptic zones in both species. Interestingly, anti-phosphosynapsin and anti-gephyrin appear to represent novel markers for synapses and glial cells, respectively. In contrast, antibodies directed against acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, elav and repo failed to produce a signal in Culex pipiens comparable to that in Drosophila melanogaster. In summary, present results enable a detailed investigation of the nervous system of mosquitoes, facilitating further studies of behavioral mechanisms associated with arboviruses in the course of vector research.
Highlights
Arthropod-borne diseases pose an increasing threat for many species including mammals and birds [1,2] since globalization, urbanization [2,3] and climate change [4,5] result in an enlarged vector population size and habitat [2,6]
The neurotransmitters acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin, as well as the α1,3-linked fucose, which is targeted by anti-horseradish peroxidase, were not included, since they are highly conserved non-protein molecules
The complex organization of axon and dendrite bundles as well as synapses within the neuropil can be visualized in Culex pipiens and Drosophila melanogaster with the antibodies used
Summary
Arthropod-borne diseases pose an increasing threat for many species including mammals and birds [1,2] since globalization, urbanization [2,3] and climate change [4,5] result in an enlarged vector population size and habitat [2,6]. Emerging arboviral diseases in Europe include Zika [9], chikungunya [10], dengue [11], Rift Valley fever [12], Usutu [13], and West Nile [14]. Culex pipiens belongs to the family Culicidae of the order Diptera This mosquito, known as the northern house mosquito, is native to temperate Europe and Asia, but has spread to temperate zones worldwide [17]. In Germany, Culex pipiens belongs to one of the most abundant mosquitoes [18] These mosquitoes are known vectors for a variety of pathogens, such as Rift Valley fever virus [19], West Nile virus [20], and Usutu virus [21], which are harmful for animals and humans [22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
